Siloam Springs, Arkansas (March 15, 2011) - The John Brown University chapter of SIFE, Students in Free Enterprise, were once again named “Regional Champions” during the annual SIFE Regional Competition that was held in Rogers, Ark. last Friday.

Colleges and universities from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas were represented at the competition.

“You cannot give a great presentation if you don’t have great stories to tell, and this team of JBU SIFE students has clearly worked hard and has much impact to show here in northwest Arkansas and in several countries,” said Joe Walenciak, SIFE sponsor and professor of business. “I am extremely proud of the work of this team. They are an outstanding group!”

This year, the JBU chapter of SIFE has led several initiatives, including job training for inmates at the Washington County Jail, teaching basic life skills at the Juvenile Detention Center, securing imperfect produce for agencies that provide hunger relief, advancing educational business related concepts with students at local and international schools and promoting social wellbeing in a number of Central American countries.

The JBU SIFE team was named “Regional Champion” at last year’s competition and advanced to the National Competition held in Minneapolis, Minn. where they tied for fifth place.

JBU SIFE was recently awarded a $2,000 grant through the Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment (Walmart WE) for their Open Doors Re-Entry Program initiative. This program reaches out to inmates of the Washington County Detention Center, educating them on skills necessary for a successful re-entry into society. The curriculum includes lessons on composing a resume, interview skills, budgeting skills and how to be successful once a job is obtained.

SIFE is an international organization that mobilizes university students around the world to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. SIFE has active clubs on more than 1500 college and university campuses. Over 48,000 students are involved in those clubs and represent 39 countries. JBU has been a leading member of SIFE since 1977. More information on the SIFE organization is available at www.SIFE.org.